Purdue officials respond to cartoon

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue University officials expressed their discontent with the cartoon that ran in the Purdue Exponent.

With a recent cartoon in the Exponent paper implying non-consensual sexual situations Purdue University officials took a stance against the illustration.

" I will say the cartoon was something that was in very, very, very bad judgment. It was something that never should have been printed in the paper," said vice provost for diversity and inclusion, Christine Taylor.

Although Taylor said there are lessons to be learned from this situation and the insensitivity shown toward the cartoon proves more awareness is needed.

"I think an event like this is an excellent springboard to increase our awareness as the issue becomes much more real and personal. Again it's important that our community be one that's informed and that our community understand the consequences of the choices they make," said Taylor.

Purdue University holds educational programs and provides resources for students who want more information about ways to prevent and deal with sexual harassment. You can find those resources here:  www.purdue.edu/swo/sexualhealth/resources.shtml .

Purdue police chief John Cox said that Purdue has a lower rate of sexual assault crimes than most universities its size.

"For a campus this size the reporting of them is fairly low. there are some statistics that say there are more sexual assaults that occur than are reported," said Chief of Police at Purdue, John Cox.

The Purdue Exponent is not affiliated or funded by the University.